In vivo comparative assessment of bracket bond failure rates of single-component adhesives

Single-component adhesives do not require the application of a primer on the enamel surface that has been etched and has been reported to have acceptable shear bond strengths on in vitro evaluation.

This split-mouth study aimed to examine and assess the rates of bracket bond failure of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-based (Aqualine LC) and bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA)-based (Orthofix SPA) single-component adhesives used to bond orthodontic brackets over 6 months.

This in vivo study involved the participation of 50 adult subjects, with 1080 metallic brackets directly bonded to the labial/facial surface in a split-mouth design. After 6 months of treatment, 49 patients with 490 brackets bonded using a HEMA-based adhesive and 490 brackets bonded using a BisGMA-based adhesive were evaluated for bracket bond failures. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were done to compare the results.

The overall bracket bond failure rate (BFR) with single-component adhesives was 6.02%. Bracket BFRs of HEMA-based and BisGMA-based adhesives were 4.16% and 7.8%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Significant differences in BFRs between maxillary teeth (4.28%) and mandibular teeth (7.75%) were noted (P < 0.05). No significant differences in bond failures between either side or region were noted.

Bond failures were more in brackets bonded with BisGMA-based adhesive (Orthofix SPA) compared with HEMA-based adhesive (Aqualine LC). Bond failures were less in the maxillary arch.